WO2022135875A1

WO2022135875A1 - Fuel tank module for gas-operated vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022135875A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/084100
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hartmut Frenz; Stefan Krapp; Mark Bleischwitz; Patrick Seidel
Original assignee: Voith Patent Gmbh
Priority date: 2020-12-22
Filing date: 2021-12-03
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: DE102020134640A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel tank module (20) for storing gas for installing in a gas-operated vehicle (30), in particular a utility vehicle, comprising multiple individual tanks (1) and a support structure (2,) to which the individual tanks (1) are secured and which is designed to secure the fuel tank module (20) to the vehicle (30). The individual tanks (1) have an elongated shape which is cylindrical in the central region and is closed by curved pole caps at both ends, and the individual tanks (1) have a reinforcing layer (3) made of a fiber-reinforced plastic and a metal connection piece on each pole cap, i.e. a boss (4, 5), wherein the fuel tank module (20) is designed such that after being installed on the vehicle, the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tanks (1) is perpendicular to the transversal direction (Q) of the vehicle, and the individual tanks are aligned at an angle between 45° and 90° relative to the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle. One lower mounting (10) is provided per individual tank (1) in order to support the weight of the individual tank, said mounting connecting the respective lower boss (4) to the support structure (2).

Description

Fuel tank module for

The invention relates to a fuel tank module for storing gas for installation in a gas-powered vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, the fuel tank module comprising a number of individual tanks and a support structure to which the individual tanks are attached. The support structure is intended to attach the fuel tank module to the vehicle. The individual tanks have an elongated shape, which is cylindrical in the middle and closed at both ends with domed pole caps, and the individual tanks have a reinforcement layer made of fiber-reinforced plastic and a metal connection piece, a so-called boss, on each of the pole caps.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding vehicle with a fuel tank module and individual tanks suitable for such a module.

Fuel tank modules for gas-powered vehicles are known in the prior art. Among other things, a tank module is described in DE 202007015487 U1. The two individual tanks are clamped to a support structure with two straps as a fastening device. The tank module is attached to the floor of a vehicle via the support structure. A fitting is provided at one end of the tank, via which the tanks are filled and emptied and which contains the necessary safety devices.

Further designs of utility vehicles with fuel tanks are shown in EP 3597466 A1 and US 2012/0152215 A1. As in the example above, the individual tanks are attached horizontally under the vehicle floor. In the embodiment according to US '215, the individual tanks are in turn attached to a support structure with attachment straps that enclose the cylindrical part. And the individual tanks have a tank valve on one side of the individual tank.

In addition, it is known in the prior art to arrange the individual tanks transversely behind the driver's cab of a commercial vehicle, as is the case, for example, in CN 109305034 A is disclosed. Here, too, the two individual tanks are fixed to a supporting structure with fastening straps. The valves on one side of the individual tanks are protected by additional walls.

However, the fastening straps known from the prior art only allow the individual tanks to be installed horizontally in the vehicle. The weight of the individual tanks down can only be carried so well.

The object of the invention is now to provide an alternative fastening option and thus to enable other configurations of a fuel tank module and other arrangements of the individual tanks in a gas-powered vehicle. As well as other advantages in terms of security and size.

The task is solved on the one hand by a fuel tank module according to claim 1 . Further advantageous features are specified in the respective dependent claims.

According to the invention, the fuel tank module according to claim 1 is characterized in that the fuel tank module is designed in such a way that after installation on the vehicle, the individual tanks are positioned with their longitudinal axis (t) perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle and between 45° and 90° ° are aligned with the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle (including the limit values), with a lower bracket for supporting the weight of the individual tank being provided for each individual tank, which bracket connects the respective lower boss to the supporting structure. The support of the weight does not necessarily include the entire weight, but at least a large part of the weight. For example, another bracket can also be provided on the individual tank, which supports a smaller part of the weight.

An essential advantage of the embodiment according to the invention is that this solution allows the individual tanks to be arranged vertically in the vehicle and the weight of the individual tanks is essentially below the center of gravity is supported. This significantly reduces the effort required for the mount.

The individual tanks are designed in particular as hydrogen tanks, for example for vehicles with a fuel cell drive or with a gas engine. The individual tanks can also be designed for biogas, propane, methane, natural gas or gas mixtures. It is typical of such individual tanks that the gas is stored under high pressure, in particular pressures of over 200 bar, often up to 600 bar and sometimes even up to 700 or 875 bar are provided. Due to the high pressure resistance, such individual tanks can weigh up to 300 kg. A secure and yet as space and weight-saving attachment as possible is essential.

A particularly good attachment results from the fact that the bracket attaches to the so-called boss of the individual tank. The boss is a piece of metal that closes off the single tank at the outermost part of the polar caps and is intended to accommodate a fitting for filling and emptying.

The vertical arrangement also offers the advantage that the individual tanks can be longer and are not limited by the width of the vehicle. In addition, the tank fittings, i.e. the valves, are not located on the side of the vehicle, where they are at risk in the event of an accident, but below or above the individual tank, where they cannot be damaged so easily in the event of an accident. This is a significant security gain. This arrangement is the only way to fully utilize the installation space up to the side edge of the vehicle for the individual tanks. If the valves are arranged on the side, a safety distance from the side edge must always be maintained so that the valves are not immediately affected in the event of minor side accidents.

Thanks to the improved use of installation space, a tank volume that is necessary for commercial vehicles can be accommodated on the vehicle, so that attractive ranges are possible. Another advantage is that the individual tanks can be individually removed from the support structure for replacement when the brackets are released, without neighboring individual tanks getting in the way.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the respective lower bracket is designed in such a way that it concentrically encloses the lower boss and connects it elastically to the supporting structure in such a way that a relative movement and damping of vibrations is possible between the individual tank and the supporting structure. In particular, the elastic connection on the lower bracket is designed in such a way that this allows for a small relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the individual tank as well as a small tilting of the longitudinal axis with respect to the support structure in several directions. Low here means that there is a certain degree of mobility, for example to compensate for a change in length due to temperature or pressure fluctuations and changes in position due to external accelerations, but on the other hand the individual tank is reliably fastened to the support structure.

It is particularly advantageous if the lower bracket is designed so elastically that the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank can tilt under load by at least 0.5° relative to a neutral position. The neutral position is preferably the height direction (H) of the vehicle. A few degrees, a maximum of 3° to 5°, can be regarded as the upper limit for the permitted tilting.

A particular advantage also results from the fact that the lower bracket not only allows mobility, but is also suitable for dampening vibrations, for example by the lower bracket comprising one or more elastomer components, in particular one or more rubber components, which or which are concentric to the boss is arranged. Thus, vibrations in different directions can be dampened.

In particular, the lower bracket can be designed as a so-called conical bearing arranged concentrically to the lower boss. The cone bearing includes an inner cone sleeve, an outer cone sleeve and one or more elastic connecting elements, which connects the two cone sleeves to one another. The cone sleeves are preferably made of a steel material, the connecting element or elements are made of an elastomer material, preferably rubber.

The conical sleeves have a conical surface that is arranged concentrically to the boss: The inner conical sleeve has the conical surface on the outside, the outer conical sleeve on the inside, with the average diameter of the inner conical sleeve being smaller than that of the outer conical sleeve. The elastic connecting element or elements connect the two conical surfaces to one another, so that on the one hand the weight of the individual tank can be transferred and the above-mentioned relative movement is possible. For example, the connecting element can be a rubber element vulcanized onto the cone surfaces. The inner cone sleeve is connected to the boss via its inside and the outer cone sleeve is connected to part of the support structure via its outside.

Furthermore, an upper stop and/or a lower stop can advantageously be present, which are designed in such a way that displacement of the outer conical sleeve relative to the inner conical sleeve in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the individual tank is limited. This prevents the elastic connecting element from being deformed too far and damaged as a result, even in the event of a strong, sudden load. In particular, the stops are designed in such a way that this relative displacement is limited to a maximum of +Z-6 mm, particularly preferably to a maximum of +Z-3 mm.

In a further embodiment, the lower bracket can have a support disk on which the reinforcement layer of the individual tank is supported. This relieves the boss somewhat because some of the supported weight is transferred from the single tank's reinforcement layer to the lower bracket. And particularly preferably, the supporting disc has an elastomeric layer, in particular one, on the surface which comes into contact with the reinforcing layer rubber layer, on. On the one hand, damage to the rigid reinforcement layer is avoided and, on the other hand, further damping against vibrations is introduced.

The lower bracket can be secured on the boss with the aid of a screw connection, in particular a nut. The mounting can be secured by the screw connection and a desired tension can be introduced, in particular when using a conical bearing.

The invention can be used particularly advantageously when there are at least four individual tanks in the fuel tank module. In this way, the installation space can be well utilized and sufficient tank capacity can be made available.

Furthermore, the individual tanks in the fuel tank module are best arranged in a row next to each other so that they are easily accessible. In particular, the individual tanks and the lower brackets of a fuel tank module are all designed in the same way.

Due to the vertical arrangement of the individual tanks, the design can be further developed so that each of the individual tanks has a tank fitting for filling and controlled release of the gas, as well as a safety valve, with all individual tanks having the tank fitting in the lower boss and the safety valve in the upper boss. This has the advantage that the piping for filling and removing the gas can be combined on the underside of the fuel tank module, where they are very well protected from damage in the event of any minor accidents to the vehicle. The safety valves are required in order to be able to blow off the gas if the temperature is too high - in the event of a fire. In the embodiment according to the invention, it is advantageous that the gas is not blown off to the side, where people in the vicinity may be endangered. Particularly in the case of particularly large tanks, for example with a length of 2 m or more, it can be advantageous to provide an additional safety valve for blowing off in the tank fitting located below. If particularly high drive power is required, an additional tank fitting can also be provided in the upper boss in order to be able to draw off a higher gas flow.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, there is a further bracket for each individual tank, which can absorb forces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank and can support them in the supporting structure, with the further bracket preferably being located in the cylindrical area of the individual tank, and with the further Holder is preferably designed so that at least a certain mobility in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t) is still possible.

The weight of the individual tanks is largely absorbed by the lower bracket. The acceleration forces when driving the vehicle, which occur primarily in the transverse direction and longitudinal direction of the vehicle, ie perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the individual tank, are then advantageously absorbed to a large extent by the respective additional mount. This allows the lower bracket to be made lighter.

In order to make the support structure as light and small as possible, it is advantageous if the distance between the further mount and the lower mount corresponds to at most % of the length of the individual tank. The support structure can be made even lower if the specified distance is in particular a maximum of 60% of the length of the individual tank.

An additional improvement is achieved if the further bracket is designed in such a way that it allows displacements due to the elasticity of the lower bracket and/or due to a change in length of the individual tank due to pressure and/or temperature influences, with the further bracket preferably having one or more straps , particularly preferably one or more so-called joint band clamps. This further bracket offers a good and rigid attachment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the individual tanks with low weight and they can be easily detached in order to be able to exchange individual tanks. At the same time, it is designed in such a way that it is elastic in the direction of the longitudinal axis and thus allows a certain relative movement between the individual tank and the supporting structure.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by an individual tank for a fuel tank module according to claim 13 and/or claim 14 according to the invention. Such an individual tank according to the invention comprises a lower boss with a neck area for receiving in a lower bracket of a fuel tank module, the neck area having a length (a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank which is at least 50% of the outer diameter (b) , measured at the thinnest point of the neck area, and which is preferably between 40 mm and 80 mm, and/or it has a lower bracket which can bear the weight of the single tank and accommodates the boss, and is suitable for carrying the single tank with a support structure of a fuel tank module in such a way that after installation on the vehicle, the individual tanks are aligned with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the transverse axis (Q) of the vehicle.

And the object is also achieved by a gas-powered vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle according to claim 15 with a fuel tank module according to the invention. If necessary, several such fuel tank modules can be provided in a vehicle if a larger tank capacity and thus a longer range is desired.

Further advantageous features of the invention are explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig.1 Schematic representation of a vehicle according to the invention with a fuel tank module according to the invention (side view)

Fig.2 Schematic representation as Fig.1 in rear view 3 Schematic detailed representation of a lower mount for an individual tank according to the invention or a fuel tank module according to the invention

1 shows a gas-powered vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 is preferably a commercial vehicle, such as a truck. Large amounts of fuel are required, particularly in the case of commercial vehicles, for an economically viable range. The drive can take place, for example, via a fuel cell and electric motor or via a gas engine. The fuel can be hydrogen, biogas, methane, ethane, natural gas or a mixture of gases. The gas is stored under pressure in the individual tanks 1. A pressure of at least 200 bar, often up to 700 or 800 bar, is usually used. A vehicle is shown with two fuel tank modules 20, 20' one behind the other. The second module is optional, for example if a higher tank capacity and thus a longer range is to be made possible.

Each fuel tank module 20, 20' comprises a plurality of individual tanks 1 which are arranged in a row next to one another in the transverse direction Q. When installed, the individual tanks 1 are aligned with their longitudinal axis t vertical, ie perpendicular to the transverse direction Q and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle. This offers optimal utilization of the installation space, i.e. the maximum possible tank volume, with improved safety at the same time, since the tank fittings are well protected on the underside and are not arranged on the side of the vehicle in the endangered area. Depending on the situation in the vehicle, the individual tanks 1 can also be aligned slightly inclined in or against the longitudinal direction L, so that the angle between the longitudinal axis t and the longitudinal direction L is between 45° and 90° (including the limit values).

The individual tanks 1 have an elongated shape that is rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis t. In the central area they have a cylindrical shape, which is closed at both ends with curved pole caps that end in a so-called boss. The individual tanks 1 are each attached to the support structure 2, 2' via their lower boss with the aid of the lower bracket 10, which bears a large part of the weight of the individual tanks 1. This holder 10 is preferably designed to be elastic, so that a certain mobility in the direction of the longitudinal axis t is possible, which allows displacement and also tilting. Vibration damping can also take place as a result. In order to be able to carry out the lower bracket 10 more easily, a further bracket 9 is provided on each individual tank 1, which preferably comprises tensioning straps or so-called joint strap clamps.

A cover 21 can also be provided for protection.

2 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle 30 with a fuel tank module 20 in a rear view. The spatial directions of the vehicle are in turn characterized by the transverse direction Q, the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction H. The alignment of the individual tanks 1 is such that the longitudinal axis t is arranged perpendicular to the transverse direction Q. It is easy to see that the width of the entire installation space behind the driver's cab can be optimally utilized without there being any safety-critical problems.

The individual tanks 1 - here four tanks - are attached to the support structure 2 via the lower brackets 10, so that the majority of the weight is carried over them. The support structure 2 can be designed as a steel frame, for example, and is intended to fasten the fuel tank module to the vehicle. The individual tanks 1 are additionally fastened to the supporting structure 2 via a further holder 9 in each case, so that transverse forces in the transverse direction Q and the longitudinal direction L can be absorbed. The additional bracket 9 is designed so that it is elastic in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t) and thus also allows a relative movement along the longitudinal axis (t) between the individual tank (1) and the supporting structure (2,3).

Due to the fact that the distance c between the lower bracket 10 and the further bracket 9 is only % of the length of the individual tanks, the support structure 2 can be lower and lighter in the back area, since it does not have to be as high as the individual tanks. In order to be able to make the supporting structure 2 even lighter, the distance c can also be even smaller, in particular less than 60% of the length of the individual tank.

The individual tanks 1 each have an upper boss 5 and a lower boss 4 at the end of the polar caps. A safety valve 8 is provided on the upper boss 5, which blows off the gas if the temperature or pressure is too high, thus relieving the tank, for example in the event of a fire in order to avoid an explosion. A tank fitting 7 is present on the lower boss 4 . The individual tank 1 can be filled with gas via this and gas can be removed in a controlled manner during operation. The tank fittings 7 can optionally include additional safety valves, so that even if the temperature rises in the lower area of the individual tank, the tank is blown off in good time.

A detail view of an individual tank 1 with the lower bracket 10 can be seen in FIG. The lower bracket 10 encloses the lower boss 4, specifically the neck area 4.1 of the lower boss, and bears the weight of the single tank above it. The lower bracket 10 is fastened via screw connections 19 to a part of the supporting structure 2—here to a crossbeam, which is designed, for example, as an angle or U-profile.

The individual tank 1 has a reinforcement layer 3 made of fiber-reinforced plastic, preferably CFRP, in order to be able to withstand the compressive forces, and an internal liner 6 for sealing, preferably made of thermoplastic, for example PA6, or of metal, for example aluminum.

The so-called boss is a metal connection piece that closes the tank shell at the pole caps and is intended to connect the individual tank to the appropriate tank fittings or safety valves. For this, the boss usually has an internal thread at the end of the neck area. If a boss is not needed for a connection, it can be equipped with a lock. In the case of the individual tank 1 according to the invention, the lower boss 4 has an extended neck region 4.1, which is preferably of cylindrical design. The neck area 4.1 has a length a, in which the lower holder 10 encompasses it. The length a is at least 50% of the outer diameter b of the neck area, measured at the thinnest point of the neck area if it is not cylindrical with a uniform outer diameter. A stepped or conical design of the neck area would also be possible, for example. The length a is preferably between 40 mm and 80 mm, so that a sufficient force to absorb the weight can be reliably transmitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower bracket 10 is designed as a so-called conical bearing. The holder 10 comprises an inner conical sleeve 11, which is applied to the neck area 4.1 of the boss, and an outer conical sleeve 12, which is screwed to a part of the supporting structure 2. The inner cone sleeve is secured with a nut 18 on the boss's neck area. In addition, the holder 10 also includes an elastic connecting element 13 which connects the two conical sleeves 11 , 12 by being connected both to the conical outer surface of the inner conical sleeve 11 and to the conical inner surface of the outer conical sleeve 12 . The connecting element 13 can preferably be a vulcanized rubber element. In the variant shown, the connecting element has an "N"-shaped cross-section and is arranged concentrically with the boss 4. In the case of loads in the direction of the longitudinal axis t, the connecting element 13 can deform slightly and thus allow a certain relative movement between the conical sleeves 11 , 12 and thus between the individual tank 1 and the supporting structure 2 . In addition, the elastic connection element also dampens vibrations.

Of course, the connecting element 13 can also have a different cross section. And instead of one arranged concentrically, several connecting elements 13 arranged around the neck area can also be provided. It is important that an elastic connection is created that allows a certain relative movement both in the Permits direction of the longitudinal axis t as well as in the tilting and offers a damping of vibrations.

In particular, it is advantageous if a tilt of at least 0.5° relative to the longitudinal axis t is possible and if this tilt is possible in different, preferably in all, spatial directions.

The relative movement between the inner conical sleeve 11 and the outer conical sleeve 12 should be limited in such a way that the elastic connecting element 13 is not damaged by excessive deflection. For this purpose, the holder 10 includes a disc as a lower stop 16 and a further disc as an upper stop 17. The two discs are clamped by the inner conical sleeve 11. The shape of the discs and thus the distance between the stops 16,17 and the outer conical sleeve 12 determine the extent of the relative movement permitted. The relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis t is preferably limited to +/-6 mm, particularly preferably to +/-3 mm. A mobility of at least +/-1 mm is desirable to ensure the function is adequate.

In the variant shown, the upper disk not only has the function of the upper stop 17 but is designed as a support disk 14 . In this way, part of the weight of the individual tank is transferred to the inner conical sleeve 11 via the reinforcement layer 3, as a result of which the lower boss 4 is relieved somewhat. In order to protect the reinforcement layer 3 and for additional damping of vibrations, there is an elastic layer 15 , in particular a rubber layer, between the support disk 14 and the reinforcement layer 3 .

1 single tank

2.2' support structure

3 reinforcement layer

4 lower boss

4.1 Neck area

5 top boss

6 liners

7 tank fitting

8 safety valve

9 more bracket

10 lower bracket

11 inner cone sleeve

12 outer cone sleeve

13 elastic fastener(s)

14 carrier disc

15 elastomer layer

16 lower stop

17 upper stop

18 mother

19 screw connection

20, 20' fuel tank module

21 disguise

30 Gas powered vehicle a Length of neck b Outer diameter of neck c Clearance

H Height direction of the vehicle

L Longitudinal direction of the vehicle

Q Lateral direction of the vehicle t Longitudinal axis of the individual tank

Claims

1 . Fuel tank module (20) for storing gas, for installation in a gas-powered vehicle (30), in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a plurality of individual tanks (1), and a support structure (2) to which the individual tanks (1) are attached and which is intended to fasten the fuel tank module (20) to the vehicle (30), the individual tanks (1) having an elongated shape which is cylindrical in the central area and closed at both ends with curved pole caps, and the individual tanks (1) have a reinforcement layer (3) made of fiber-reinforced plastic and a metal connection piece, a so-called boss (4,5), on each of the pole caps, characterized in that the fuel tank module (20) is designed in such a way that after assembly on the vehicle, the individual tanks (1) with its longitudinal axis (t) perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle and between 45 ° and 90 ° to the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle are aligned, each individual tank (1) is provided with a lower bracket (10) to support the weight of the individual tank, which connects the respective lower boss (4) to the supporting structure (2).

2. Fuel tank module (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective lower bracket (10) concentrically encloses the lower boss (4) and connects it elastically to the supporting structure (2) in such a way that between the individual tank (1) and the supporting structure (2) a relative movement and damping of vibrations is possible, with the elastic connection on the lower bracket (10) being designed in particular in such a way that, taken by itself, it allows a small relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank as well as a allows slight tilting of the longitudinal axis (t) relative to the supporting structure 2 in several directions.

3. Fuel tank module (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower bracket (10) is designed as a concentric to the lower boss (4) arranged cone bearing comprising

- an inner conical sleeve (11), which is connected to the boss (4) via an inner side and which has a conical surface on an outer side,

- an outer conical sleeve (12) which is connected to part of the supporting structure (2) and which has a conical surface on an inside,

- And one or more elastic connecting elements (13), which or which connect the two conical sleeves (11, 12) to one another via the respective conical surfaces.

4. Fuel tank module (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that an upper stop (17) and / or a lower stop (16) are present, which are designed such that a displacement of the outer cone sleeve (12) relative to the inner Cone sleeve (11) is limited in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t), in particular that this relative displacement is limited to a maximum of +/-6 mm, particularly preferably to a maximum of +Z-3 mm.

5. Fuel tank module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower bracket (10) has a support disc (14) on which the reinforcing layer (3) of the individual tank is supported; and preferably the support disc (14) has an elastomeric layer (15), in particular a rubber layer, on the surface which comes into contact with the reinforcing layer (3).

6. Fuel tank module (20) according to any previous claim, characterized in that the lower bracket (10) is designed so elastically that the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank can tilt under load by at least 0.5° compared to a neutral position, wherein the neutral position is preferably the height direction (H) of the vehicle.

7. Fuel tank module (20) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the lower bracket (10) is secured by means of a screw connection, in particular a nut (18) on the boss (4).

8. fuel tank module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least four individual tanks (1) are present.

9. fuel tank module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual tanks (1) are arranged in a row next to each other.

10. Fuel tank module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the individual tanks (1) has at least one tank fitting (7) for filling and controlled release of the gas, and at least one safety valve (8), with all individual tanks a tank fitting (7) is provided in the lower boss (4) and a safety valve (8) in the upper boss (5).

11 . Fuel tank module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each individual tank (1) there is a further bracket (9) which can absorb the forces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank and can support them in the supporting structure (2). , wherein the additional holder (9) is preferably located in the cylindrical area of the individual tank and the distance between the additional holder (9) and the lower holder (10) particularly preferably corresponds to at most % of the length of the individual tank (1).

17

12. The fuel tank module (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that the additional bracket (9) is designed to be so elastic in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t) that it can accommodate displacements or displacements of the individual tank due to the elasticity of the lower bracket (10) and / or allows due to a change in length due to pressure and / or temperature influences, wherein the additional bracket preferably comprises one or more straps, particularly preferably one or more strap clamps.

13. Single tank (1) for a fuel tank module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the single tank (1) has an elongated shape which is cylindrical in the central area and closed at both ends with curved pole caps, and wherein the single tank ( 1) has a reinforcement layer (3) made of fiber-reinforced plastic and a metal connection piece, a so-called boss (4.5), on each of the pole caps, characterized in that the lower boss (4) has a neck area (4.1) for receiving in a lower Holder (10) of a fuel tank module (20), wherein the neck area (4.1) has a length (a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (t) of the individual tank, which is at least 50% of the outer diameter (b), measured at the thinnest point of the neck area, wherein the length (a) is preferably between 40 mm and 80 mm and the neck area (4.1) is particularly preferably designed in the length (a) with a cylindrical outer contour.

14. Individual tank (1) for a fuel tank module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual tank (1) has an elongated shape which is cylindrical in the central area and is closed at both ends with curved pole caps, and wherein the individual tank ( 1) has a reinforcement layer (3) made of fiber-reinforced plastic and a metal connection piece, a so-called boss (4,5), on each of the pole caps, characterized in that the individual tank (1) has a lower bracket (10) which supports the weight of the single tank (1) can carry and picks up the bottom boss (4), and which ones

18 is suitable for connecting the individual tank (1) to a support structure (2) of a fuel tank module (20) in such a way that, after installation on the vehicle, the individual tanks (1) are positioned with their longitudinal axis (t) perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle and are oriented between 45° and 90° to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (L).

15. Gas-powered vehicle (30), in particular commercial vehicle, comprising at least one fuel tank module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

19